In addition to academics, organ students enroll in private organ lessons, organ performance class, music theory, ear training, keyboard, sight-reading, ensembles and additional arts electives. Students receive one or two weekly private lessons in addition to a weekly two-hour performance class, where they develop confidence in performing before an audience.

Organ students work to develop and refine technical skills and interpretive techniques through the study and performance of significant works from the organ literature. A strong emphasis is placed on hymn playing and improvisation; keyboard skills such as realizing figured bass, harmonizing melodies and transposition; major works of the 17th century; contrasting compositions of J.S. Bach, including chorale preludes, fantasias, preludes and fugues, toccatas and fugues, trio sonatas; French and German Romantic works; and works of early, middle and late 20th century.

Organ faculty and the NCSA Touring Office assist candidates in booking off-campus performances, obtaining employment and preparing for competitions. NCSA graduates have earned top prizes in a variety of national and international competitions, regularly appear on concert stages around the world, and are found as leading teachers in higher education and arts institutions nationwide.